The countdown is on! CSKA Sofia is getting ready to clash with its age-old foe, Levski Sofia, in a pivotal match in the Bulgarian First Professional League on April 13, 2026. Kickoff is set for 15:00 at the bustling Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia, a venue sure to be packed with 43,230 die-hard supporters. These two Bulgarian powerhouses are only separated by four points, making this schedule a high-stakes game. Currently, CSKA Sofia sits in third place with 55 points, hot on the trail of a top-two finish to qualify for European competitions. Meanwhile, Levski Sofia gleams at the summit with 69 points, their eyes locked on clinching the title.
This match brings more than just league implications. CSKA Sofia has snagged four victories in their recent five league games, letting in just three goals, which speaks volumes about their sturdy defense. Yet, Levski Sofia enters this showdown brimming with confidence, boasting an undefeated record in the last five matches with four wins and a draw. Their offensive strength is evident, tallying seven goals while conceding only three during this streak. When breaking down recent head-to-head encounters, the rivalry remains fierce: CSKA has claimed three wins to Levski’s two. Last time they clashed, tensions peaked with a riveting 2-2 draw.
On the field, players to keep your eyes glued to include CSKA Sofia’s Leandro Godoy and Levski Sofia’s Everton Bala. Godoy has struck the net 12 times this season, proving invaluable to CSKA’s attacks. On the flip side, Bala tops the scoring charts with 16 goals, showcasing his incredible form upfront for Levski. With both teams showing strong defensive performances, CSKA Sofia boasts four clean sheets in the last five games. Levski, on the other hand, has secured three clean sheets. The conditions for football couldn’t be more perfect, with the forecast predicting a comfortable 15°C and a gentle breeze, setting the scene beautifully for this high-octane match.
CSKA Sofia vs Levski Sofia Prediction & Betting Tip
Anticipation for this exhilarating derby is sky-high. Levski Sofia seems to have the upper hand due to its consistent performance recently and its place at the top of the table. Being unbeaten in the last five games hints at their strong campaign. This could allow them to withstand a defeat against CSKA Sofia. After a recent toppling by Ludogorets, CSKA might show some frailty in defense, giving Bala and his teammates something to exploit.
Here’s a betting tip for the game:
| Recommendation | Odds |
|---|---|
| Levski Sofia +0.50 (AH) | 1.5 |
Key Factors: Levski’s streak of being unbeaten over the last five games, CSKA’s solitary recent loss, the tightly matched head-to-head record, and Bala’s looming threat in front of the goal.
CSKA Sofia vs Levski Sofia Odds
A deep dive into the betting odds highlights Levski Sofia as slight favorites. The potential match outcomes have crystallized into one odds tip:
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Levski Sofia +0.50 (AH) | 1.5 |
Notably, only the Levski +0.50 Asian Handicap is highlighted, hinting at a keenly competitive fixture. Levski Sofia’s impressive form is reflected in the confidence bookmakers show in what’s expected to be a closely contested match. Although there’s no data on total goals or moneyline projections, the limited odds range highlights the bookies’ expectations for a no-margin, hard-fought battle.
Home Team Analysis
CSKA Sofia Recent Performance
CSKA Sofia hits this match on the back of stout defensive form, rebounding from a recent downfall to Ludogorets by clinching solid wins against several foes. Their stretch of four clean sheets shows strong defensive frameworks. During this dynamic run, they have managed to average 1.6 goals per match, illustrating a well-rounded squad. Recent triumphs over Dobrudzha Dobrich and Lokomotiv Sofia, both by 2-0, fuel their confidence for this match at home.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-08 | Montana | 0 – 1 W |
| 2026-04-04 | Beroe | 0 – 3 W |
| 2026-03-22 | Dobrudzha Dobrich | 2 – 0 W |
| 2026-03-14 | Ludogorets Razgrad | 3 – 0 L |
| 2026-03-08 | PFC Lokomotiv Sofia 1929 | 2 – 0 W |
CSKA Sofia Key Players
- Leandro Godoy: The heartbeat of the attack, Godoy has scored 12 times and is critical to CSKA’s front line.
- Ioannis Pittas: This forward has been vital in their victories over Beroe and Lokomotiv, appearing when it counts most.
- Max Ebong: A midfield maestro, pulling the strings in both defensive plays and attacking flows.
- Alejandro Piedrahita: Creative core, known for threading the crucial pass and key assists.
- Isaac Solet: A midfield dynamo, crucial for transitioning from defense to attack.
- Facundo Rodriguez: A composed center-back, offers solidity especially during set plays.
- Fedor Lapoukhov: The steadfast goalkeeper, proudly boasting four clean sheets in their recent matches.
- Angelo Martino: The sharp-eyed full-back, delivering precise crosses and providing width.
CSKA Sofia Suspensions & Injuries
With no injuries or suspensions, CSKA Sofia relishes the assuredness of a full squad. This boosts their consistency and strength heading into this derby.
| Player | Position | Injury | Return Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | – | – | – |
- Full Squad Availability: Coach Hristo Yanev enjoys the benefit of deploying his preferred lineup.
- Flawless Continuity: Players can maintain rhythm and avoid forced alterations.
- Strategic Freedom: Squad rotation is a tactical choice, not a mandate.
CSKA Sofia Tactics and Formation
Coach Hristo Yanev is anticipated to employ a 4-5-1 formation, rooted in recent successful tactical approaches:
- Defensive Solidity: Full-backs Pastor and Rodriguez are tasked with fortifying the defense, supported by wide moves from Dellova and Martino.
- Midfield Dynamics: The central trio of Max Ebong, Alejandro Piedrahita, and Isaac Solet expected to control the pace and transitions.
- Tactical Attack Strategies: Forward Pittas targets the spearhead position, backed by fast midfield movements exploiting spaces.
- Possession Control: Emphasis on sustained ball possession to set the game rhythm.
Away Team Analysis
Levski Sofia Recent Performance
Levski Sofia rolls into this match with an unbeaten streak, balancing both their offense and defense adeptly. They’ve netted seven goals while securing three clean sheets within this period. Their showcase against Arda Kardzhali, culminating in a tight 1-0 win, emphasized defensive resilience, while their 2-2 draw against Dobrudzha highlighted offensive flair.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-09 | Arda Kardzhali | 1 – 0 W |
| 2026-04-05 | Dobrudzha Dobrich | 2 – 2 D |
| 2026-03-21 | Cherno More Varna | 2 – 1 W |
| 2026-03-15 | Beroe | 0 – 1 W |
| 2026-03-09 | Lokomotiv Plovdiv | 1 – 0 W |
Levski Sofia Key Players
- Everton Bala: A prolific goal scorer with 16 goals, lending offensive sharpness and exploiting defensives like clockwork.
- Svetoslav Vutsov: A stalwart keeper providing vital saves that contributed to recent clean sheets.
- Christian Makoun: A pivotal midfield guardian, excelling in tackles and interceptions.
- Nikola Serafimov: Crucial for maintaining defensive integrity and aerial dominance.
- Georgi Kostadinov: A calming midfield veteran, essential for controlling distribution and the game’s tempo.
- Armstrong Oko-Flex: Demonstrating creative talent and significantly influencing goal creation.
- Akram Bouras: Offers width from the midfield with sharp deliveries enabling Bala’s scoring opportunities.
- Radoslav Kirilov: Versatile, providing crucial linkage between attacking and midfield pursuits.
Levski Sofia Suspensions & Injuries
Blessed with full squad fitness, like their rivals, Levski Sofia enjoys a complete roster. This advantage serves manager Julio Velazquez well as he makes strategic adaptations.
| Player | Position | Injury | Return Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | – | – | – |
- Complete Squad Depth: Velazquez holds considerable tactical flexibility and positional cover.
- Wide-Range Strategic Choices: Leverage on available players allows dynamic in-match adjustments.
- Freedom of Selection: Best available players take their positions backed by zero restrictions.
Levski Sofia Tactics and Formation
Expect Julio Velazquez to set his squad in a similar 4-5-1 formation, exploiting its flexibility and team strengths:
- Structured Defense: The backline remains disciplined, with Vulikic and Kamdem carrying overlapping roles.
- Possession and Pressure Plan: The sturdy midfield constituted by Kostadinov, Oko-Flex, Bouras, Kirilov, and Soula focuses on high pressing and maintaining ball control.
- Wide Play and Cross Delivery: Wing midfielders deliver crucial cross setups for Everton Bala.
- Swift Counterattack Strategy: The formation inherently supports quick transitions and balanced offensive responses.
CSKA Sofia vs Levski Sofia Head-to-Head Statistics
Recent face-offs vividly illustrate tight matchups, with CSKA Sofia keeping a slight edge—three wins in their last five clashes. Despite CSKA’s recent streak of dominance, Levski Sofia registered iconic victories, notably at home in October 2024. A common theme is the restrained goal-scoring nature, averaging just 1.8 goals per match, further underscoring defensive focus by both teams.
| Date | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-08 | Levski (H) | 0 – 1 CSKA |
| 2025-03-02 | CSKA (H) | 2 – 2 Draw |
| 2024-10-19 | Levski (H) | 1 – 0 Levski |
| 2024-04-27 | CSKA (H) | 3 – 1 CSKA |
| 2024-04-07 | Levski (H) | 0 – 2 CSKA |
- CSKA clinched three wins out of the last five derbies.
- Levski scored two victories, both on home turf.
- One fixture resulted in a draw, cementing the tendency for decisive clashes.
- Goal average sits at 1.8 per match, underlining tight-knit matchups.
- Levski looks to reverse their fortunes against CSKA’s recent historical advantage.
Venue and Weather
This electric derby will play out at the iconic Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia. Known for its invigorating atmosphere, the arena welcomes 43,230 fans, promising a charged environment. Players face this thrilling game amid perfect weather conditions, with temperatures forecasted to hover around a pleasant 15°C and gentle breezes measuring 10–20 km/h. These mild factors ensure little wind disturbance during long passes or set-pieces. With rain odds between 10-20 percent, the field readies for a fluid, lively tempo, fostering precise passes and seamless transitions from both teams. Fans can expect a high-energy, competitive spectacle from start to finish under bright skies marking another exciting chapter of this enduring rivalry.
